Are Pets Allowed on Public Transport in Melbourne?

Luckily, if you’re trying to get around Melbourne without a car but with a pet, you’re in luck, especially if you have a small dog. Victoria is the most dog-friendly state in Australia when it comes to public transport, with pets allowed on many public transport services. Read on to find out more about the options available to travel with your pet on public transport in Melbourne.

Are Pets Allowed on Trains in Melbourne?

The easiest way to travel with dogs on public transport in Melbourne is on metropolitan trains. Both small and large pets are allowed on the train, as long as you follow certain rules set out by Public Transport Victoria.

For larger dogs, they need to wear a muzzle as well as a leash. (Although I’ve seen some dogs at train stations without muzzles – I’m not sure whether this is always enforced, although it’s best to always carry one on you.)

Smaller dogs don’t need to wear a muzzle if instead they travel in a suitable animal container. This also applies to cats and other small pets. There are no guidelines given as to suitable animal containers, but I recommend either a small plastic crate or a bag designed for pets that fully zips up with your pet inside.

For pets of all sizes, but especially larger dogs, it’s recommended to avoid the peak hour – basically 7am to 9am and again from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays. Naturally, dogs should also not sit on seats or block the aisles. You should also clean up any messes.

Pets of all sizes travel for free on trains in Melbourne. There are no train tickets for pets, even for larger dogs, as is the case in some overseas countries.

Are Pets Allowed on Trams in Melbourne?

Small pets travelling in a suitable animal container are also allowed onboard the tram network that criss-crosses Melbourne. However, larger dogs are not permitted on trams, unlike on trains. Once again, there is no fee for pets.

If you look at the rules displayed inside most trams, you’ll notice that one of the rules is that “pets must be in a suitable container”. Despite this, I have rarely seen dogs on board trams in Melbourne.

As I noted above, there is no definition as to what is a suitable container. However, it’s likely that suitable containers are expected to be fully enclosed – such as a small plastic crate for cats and rabbits, or a soft carrier bag that fully zips up.

Are Pets Allowed on Buses in Melbourne?

The same rules apply on buses in Melbourne as onboard trams: only small pets in a suitable animal container are allowed onboard, with larger dogs not permitted.

Despite the rules being the same, I noticed that there are no signs onboard buses displaying the rules for pets. Although there are less signs about the rules overall on buses!

Are Pets Allowed on Ferries in Melbourne?

The rules for pets on ferries in Melbourne are a lot more varied, with different rules set in place by different operators.

Public Transport Victoria only oversees three ferry services in Victoria: the Westgate Punt between Spotswood Jetty and Westgate Landing in Port Melbourne; Port Phillip Ferries, that connect Geelong and Portarlington with Docklands; and Western Port Ferries between Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and French Island.

Onboard the Westgate Punt, dogs of all sizes on a leash are permitted. Western Port Ferries also allows large and small dogs on a leash for no extra charge, although they need to remain on the external deck. However, no pet dogs are allowed onboard the longer Port Phillip Ferries services, only guide dogs and assistance animals.

The St Kilda Ferry is a privately run and operated ferry service between St Kilda, Williamstown and Port Melbourne. Services are run mainly on weekends and during the summer school holidays. Pet dogs are allowed onboard for free, as long as they’re well supervised. However, dogs are not allowed onboard their sunset penguin cruises.

There are also a number of boat operators along the Yarra River, including some that offer ferries to Williamstown. One operator that allows pet onboard selected cruises is Melbourne River Cruises. Always double check before booking.

Are Pets Allowed on V/Line Trains in Melbourne?

The rules for travelling with pets on the V/Line train services, connecting Melbourne with the rest of Victoria, are different to the rules for pets on metropolitan trains.

Unfortunately, larger dogs are not allowed onboard V/Line Trains. Only small pets, including dogs and cats, in a suitable enclosed container are allowed onboard. There is no charge but there are extensive guidelines provided on both the Public Transport Victoria and V/Line websites.

Suitable containers need to be carried in one hand, be enclosed and secure, provide suitable ventilation, provide enough space for the animal to stand and move around, be clean, and be easily accessed during the journey to provide food and water.

Previously, it was stated that containers were restricted to a maximum size of 56cm long x 30cm wide x 38cm high, with a maximum weight of 15kg, but this is no longer listed.

Furthermore, your animal container needs to be stowed in a suitable luggage storage area, rather than on seats. On VLocity and Sprinter trains, there is a luggage and bike storage area, while there is a luggage van on Loco-Hauled trains. The conductor can assist.

Only one container is permitted per passenger. It is also recommended to avoid the peak hour travel between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 6pm on weekdays. Dangerous animals are naturally not allowed.

Note however that no pets at all are not allowed onboard V/Line coaches, only service animals. This also applies to train replacement coaches, so check in advance for planned disruptions and speak to staff if an unplanned disruption occurs.

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